According to a report in the Los Angeles Times on Friday, a vehicle connected to Southern Cal running back Joe McKnight is the subject of an internal investigation that could ultimately land on the desk of the NCAA pending the school’s findings.
On Saturday, the man at the center of the latest imbroglio involving a member of the USC athletic program possibly flouting NCAA by-laws defended himself against the insinuations in the Times’ piece.
In an email to several media outlets, businessman Scott Schenter claims that the vehicle in question -- a 2007 Land Rover -- is indeed in his name, but that he signed for the loan because the parents of Johanna Michelle Beltran “couldn’t qualify for the loan”.
Beltran is McKnight’s girlfriend and the mother of his 10-month-old child. She is also “a long time family friend” according to Schenter’s email, and is an employee of Smart Bullets Inc., a company owned by Schenter.
Schenter also claims that he has “nothing to do with agents, marketing players, or representing athletes. I have no experience in this business.” He also claims no ties to the Southern Cal athletic program, saying that he’s a long-time Washington Huskies supporter and former season-ticket holder.
Athletic director Mike Garrett issued a statement on the email sent by Schenter.
“I read the letter. It sounded interesting. Our compliance people are handling the matter, and I have nothing further to say.”